|
Ref: James Henry's letter "So Glorious about our "Sand Fleas" at
PI -vs.- SD hills (or Mountains as I found out they really
were--Pickle Meadows.)
Oh we both have our crosses to bear, but, the only thing you SD
Marines don't understand about the "Sand Fleas" at PI are, that
by any other name (in the rest of the world), they are called
"Alligators" ---oh yeah, and don't forget the sharks in Ribbon
Creek behind the butts at the range---swim at your own risk----
of course a shark attack is easier to survive than your Drill
Instructor if he finds out you went in the creek. (Hey--MY DI
can whip your DI) ;-)
Semper Fi Marine---Were all cut from the same cloth and molded
from the same clay. From a PI Marine --1961 and forever.
Henry H. Hight.
Once a Marine Always a Marine
The latest Sgt Grit Photo Video Montage...
Semper Fi - We are made Marines (You Tube)
Alive To See This
Dear Sgt. Grit,
You betcha there are Woman Marines out there, I'm one! I went
in 1969 fresh out of high school, this was during the Viet Nam
war and we did drilling and marching and classes, but I never
held a rifle the time I was in. We hit the gas chamber (some
more than once, ahem) and PT'd till we thought we'd drop. Boot
camp would have been a walk in the park compared to what is
expected of these woman nowadays. We were there to relieve the
men from desk jobs so that they could go to war. Our MOS's were
VERY limited and of course no combat. Although I wasn't able
to finish my tour for medical reasons, I was discharged with an
Honorable Discharge. I feel pride when I hear of the Marine
accomplishments and feel I was so fortunate to be a part of this
wonderful organization. I feel every bit the Marine today as
they day when I put on the Eagle, Globe and Anchor.
Yes, I have been referred to as a BAM and it was one of the
sweetest things that ever happened. I had told my Uncle Al
(career Army and mean as a snake) I was going into the Marines.
He took one look at me and grabbed into his arms and with tears
in his eyes he said, "You will be the most beautiful BAM the
Marines have ever seen. I am so proud that I was alive to see
this." From that time on, hearing BAM really didn't faze me
that much.
Jean Tweedy (Houghton)
Skinny, Boney, 17 Year Old
I finally got my first Tattoo after 30 yrs, I retired from the
Marine Corps in Sept of 1999, and in the same Month in the year
1979, I was a young PFC, in Jacksonville,N.C. and I was on Court St
getting ready to get my first Marine Corps Tattoo, but I decided
not to, because my arms were quite skinny back then, I was a
skinny, boney 17 yr old kid from The Bronx, Several of my
buddies got their tattoos that night so I decided to wait, Well
the time finally came 30 yrs later, while I was on Vacation in
San Jose, Costa Rica, where I also happened to have been a
Marine Security Guard at the American Embassy, in the Early
80's, I'm so glad I finally got it!
Semper Fi
Jerry Torres
SSgt USMC
1979-1999
MARINE GRUNT
My Momma
Sgt Grit,
Sgt Doyle Clark wrote about his experience with "BAMs". My
Momma was a WM in WWII and after I graduated from Boot Camp, she
let me know in no uncertain terms that "BAM" stood for
"Beautiful American Marine", although she did acknowledge that
occasionally my Father (a Marine PFC in the same Squadron)
referred to WMs as "Broad Axle-d Marines"!
Jeff Howards
Sgt of Marines, 73-77
Honor Them Everyday
Sgt. Grit,
As per your request to print a story, this is a picture of my
mortar platoon section in Viet Nam 66 -67. Foreground upper left
L/Cpl Rick Starkey. The other photo is of SSgt. David Nugent,
who was seriously wounded trying to return a chicom grenade
thrown into his position. Sarge was helping a wounded Marine at the time.
This action took place Sept.67 at the church yard in
Con Thien. These events were documented in a book called Ambush
Valley. Because of Sgt. Nugent who recovered from his wounds and
other Marines that gave their lives, I survived that day but if
for nothing else to remember and honor them everyday.
Semper Fi
L/Cpl Rick Starkey
In Slow Motion
I was in VMFA-323, MAG-13 based at Chu Lai, RVN during the TET
Offensive of 1968. When the rockets hit our side of the base,
they sent me and my hooch mates running for the bunker. We got
hit around 2 a.m. and I was a virg!n with regard to these sort
of things. Needless to say, I was scared s___less and didn't
know one end from the other. We all managed to squeeze in the
bunker and we all lit up to ease our nerves. At that point, it
was probably more dangerous to stay inside from all that second
hand smoke than it was to go outside.
After a while, we heard the order to get our 782 gear and get on
the road in preparation to man the perimeter. While on the way
out, and still trying to pull my trousers up, the bomb dump blew
up. At first I thought it was a nuclear bomb and thought that I
might as well kiss my _ss good bye. The fireball was huge and
it seemed like it was expanding in slow motion. I was a few
yards behind a hootch as I watched the fireball expand over the
roof and when the shockwave hit me, it didn't knock me down. I
checked to see if I was still in one piece. After that, I heard
my buddies yelling at me to hurry up and get on the truck, which
I did as it was starting to roll.
We got to the perimeter and were told to dig individual fighting
holes. In the soft sand, it was problematic that they were
effective but when you're scared, it didn't matter. Someone
decided that Dick McGregor and I should man the tower that was
equipped with a M-60 machine gun. I don't know what Dick was
thinking but I was not very enthusiastic about being up there
since that was the first thing that would get hit by a RPG. I
didn't say anything to Dick, but now I was really shaking in my
boots. I didn't have to worry, though, because no attack
occurred. I like to think that the VC thought there were too
many Marines, me and Dick McGregor.
Howard Tsuchiya, Sgt. 1966-70
RVN 67-68
Mortar Round Probably
It was a Friday afternoon in November just after Thanksgiving. I
stopped in the Worcester, (MA) Detachment Marine Corps League #
144 for a beer or two in the Leatherneck Lounge. The only one
there was the bar manager Marine Joe Ricci. Within five minutes
one of our few remaining WW II vets, Marine Carlo Mastrototaro
came in and sat beside me at the bar. Within two minutes the
door opens and the second WW II vet Marine Walter Maloney enters
and sits next to me on the other side. We immediately started
talking about how Carlo and Walter Had met in Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba in 1941.
The four of us (including Joe) had served at Guantanamo Bay at
one time or another, so we called it a Gitmo Bay reunion. After
a few minutes I realized that I was sitting between History.
Both Carlo and Walter Joined the Marine Corps in 1939, both are
88 years old , soon to be 89, both served at Gitmo in 1941 and
1942, both were from Worcester, MA, both served in the Pacific
against the Japanese on three different islands each. So I took
the opportunity to ask the two of them about their exploits in
the Pacific. At first they both didn't want to talk about it but
after some prodding on my part and specific questions to Carlo;
"tell us how you got the silver star?" and "tell us where you
were and how you were wounded?". Carlo looked at me for a
moment, then said "you really want to hear about it?" I said
there are over 260 Marines in our Detachment and I'll bet not
one of them know how you were awarded the Silver Star and Purple
Heart, we all want to hear about it, it's time Carlo. "I have
never talked about this before" he said "so I may not get all
the facts right".
He started by telling us about being stationed in Iceland, Cuba,
then Camp Pendleton (stories for another day) and finally
Saipan, Marianas Islands. "It was about mid June 1944 " he said
"I was the BAR man for my squad of "B" Company, 1st Battalion,
25th Marines, 4th Marine Division. We were on the third wave on
a Higgins Boat just about to hit the beach on Saipan when the
landing craft next to us hit a mine and blew about twenty feet
out of the water and split in half. Marine bodies were flying
everywhere. The next thing I remember is being on the beach
about forty or fifty yards from the water's edge, laying on the
ground behind a small ridge with the rest of my outfit.
The next two weeks the fighting was fierce and heavy and we had
many casualties but I made it without a scratch. It was a couple
of days after my birthday July 3rd, I had the watch at night
while most of the platoon slept in their fox holes. I heard a
noise behind me and when I turned to look I saw a couple of
shadows hit the deck. I challenged the shadows real loud to
alert my platoon, and after the second challenge with no reply
or pass word, I jumped out of my fox hole and moved toward them
to get a better angle to fire from because they were still lying
down. I emptied my BAR and got all of them, about 8 or 9 of the
enemy without being hit by their fire. My Battalion Commander
put me up for a silver star for saving my platoon from an enemy
sneak attack from the rear."
"A few weeks later we landed on Tinian. The first night I gave
my spot in a four man fox hole to a wounded Marine Ralph Hamit.
A couple of hours later a mortar round hit next to the fox hole
and all five of us were badly wounded. The next day we were
evacuated to a hospital ship. After about 6 months in hospitals,
I was given a medical discharge. A few weeks later the 4th
Division made the landing at Iwo Jima and most of my outfit was
wiped out on the island. That mortar round probably saved my
life."
Chris Manos
USMC 1958-1962
Religious Icon
It's good to hear stories of our Marines being welcomed home
from deployment but it reminds many of us about a different
situation years ago when returning from Southeast Asia. We
returned to MCAS El Toro in October 1969 to a half dozen cars in
the parking lot and transportation instructions. Having grown up
in Southern California, I was lucky having my mother pick me up
and haul me home through the anti-war protesters at the gate.
Within four hours I was on a double date with "The Twins" and
Topper Rankin, my 3rd Recon buddy I met on the USS Iwo Jima.
Fast forward to October 2000 at the MCAS Miramar Air show. A
group of old Marines gathered to display an airworthy UH-34D
helicopter which, to many Vietnam Marines, is a religious icon.
It was four days of "Welcome Home" from the public, the young
Marines of Miramar and even Vietnamese who escaped the Communist
takeover. We even signed autographs. The event ended with
towing the helicopter to the end of the ramp, firing it up and
cruising around the hills behind Miramar for a trip of a
lifetime. Talk about memory lane. After 30 years, to gather
with America's best who you know will cover your back was
something never to be forgotten. It took a week to come back
down from the high. Every Vietnam and Korean Vet should have
this experience.
Wayne Stafford
RVN 68-69
Note: Hey....forget the ride, welcome home, etc....who are the
girls??
Geeezzz you aren't that old!
Sgt Grit
Malta Rifle Match and Hop Leaf Beer
Does the Sixth Fleet still compete in a rifle match against the
British Joint Services while in the Mediterranean? I was on the
BLT 2/6 Med Cruise in 1970. One of our ports of call was
Valetta, Malta. We stayed in tents out in the field and ran the
old WWII British obstacle courses for PT. The Sixth Fleet
traditionally fielded a rifle and pistol team to fire against
the British Joint Services Garrison Team. I was pulled from my
rain soaked tent in the field to try out for the team along with
twenty five or so other Marines, mostly higher non commissioned
ranks. I was a Lance Corporal in the 2nd Bn Recon Platoon.
Records were pulled and anybody who had qualified expert at Boot
Camp was brought in for the try out. We were billeted in old
British Army Barracks during the tryout and actual match. We
even ate at the British Mess--powdered eggs pretending to be
scrambled. Staff Sgt. McDuffie was the NCO in charge,
Lieutenant Wagner was the officer in charge. Several days were
spent re-learning our shooting positions from Boot Camp and then
we had a shoot off to see who was going to fire for the team.
The Eight best Marine shooters were chosen each for the pistol
and rifle parts of the match. I made the team and continued on
to become the high shooter in the match against the established
British team which were using FN-FAL rifles(no windage
adjustment) against our M-14's.
After the match and a spirited celebration at the British
Officers Club we returned to the old barracks to pack up as we
would return to our regular outfits the next day. Back on the
ship I was alerted by my platoon sergeant, Sergeant Rudy Fennel,
Baltimore, MD, that I was to stand tall in front of the
Battalion Commander the next morning. I was given a meritorious
promotion to Corporal for being the high shooter which was d*mn
exciting since now I could have liberty every night for the rest
of the cruise. The best thing was that the British Officers
Club contacted the ship I was on, the USS LaSalle, requesting
that I visit their club on their tab at anytime as long as I
was in Valetta. Besides having some pride in preserving the
Marine Corps Superior Marksmanship Traditions alive I also
enjoyed the Hop Leaf beer served at the British Club.
Garent Gunther, 1968-70
Wrong Place
Sgt Grit--- After reading so many memories of boot camp in your
last newsletter I dug out this photo of my platoon taken spring
of 1951 hoping it would spark some interest.
I remember our train backing into MCRD back gate and being
welcomed by two mild mannered gentle Marines (just kidding here)
and my life has never been the same since then. I think we all
thought we had got off the train at the wrong place.
SSgt R. L. RINEHART and Sgt J. K. JOHNSON was our DI's----I am
2d from left in second row.
Robert E. Bailey
Capt USMC(Ret)
Lebanon, Missouri
In The 50's
Sgt Grit, In the March 26, 2009 letter David E. Tyre asked for
confirmation of the positions used for rifle qualifications in
the 50's. I was in a few years before David having entered the
Corps in August of 1951. I completed boot camp at MCRD San Diego
and qualified at Camp Matthews in the first two weeks of
September 1951. I also qualified again in July 1952 at Camp
Lejeune. As it so happens I still have the record books for both
qualifications. The positions used with the M1 at that time
were: 200 yards offhand, ten rounds slow fire; 300 yards
sitting, five rounds- slow fire then shifting to Kneeling for
five more rounds- slow fire: 500 yards prone slow fire - ten
rounds; 200 yards sitting -rapid fire- ten rounds; 300 yards
prone, rapid fire- ten rounds. This makes a total of 50 rounds
with scores of up to 5 for each round. In 1952 I shot a 222 and
was qualified as Expert.
I still have the medal. Incidentally, there were no "yellow
footprints" when I hit MCRD San Diego. However, for an old
country boy from a little town in Indiana, that first
introduction was quite a shock. I will never forget the
experience of boot camp but wouldn't want to do it again.
I have a grandson in the Marines in Iraq and a granddaughter
graduating in May from the Naval Academy, who is going to
Quantico to become a Marine officer. Her father (my son) is a
Rear Admiral.
Merton Bushong SSgt. 1951-1953
Re: RANGE LINGO. AGAIN: The course of fire was, 10 rounds
offhand at 200 yards at the "A" target followed by 10 rounds
rapid fire in the sitting position at the "D" target. Police
the brass and move back to the 300 yard line. At 300, 5 rounds
sitting and five rounds kneeling, slow fire, at the "A" target
followed by 10 rounds rapid fire from the prone position at the
"D" target. Police the brass and move to 500 yard line, fire 10
rounds slow fire from the prone position at the "B" target.
(Targets were referred to as Able, Baker and Dog well after
Alpha, Bravo and Delta had replaced those terms in the phonetic
alphabet.) With the M-1, the command for rapid fire from the
center of the line was "With a clip and two rounds, lock and
load".
The second (8 round clip) came from your cartridge belt. With
the M-14 if I recollect correct, it was "with a magazine and 5
rounds, lock and load", the second mag was loaded from the belt.
LHM 59-89
HAM
Sgt. Grit,
This is in response to the letter concerning the term "BAM". In
1961, I was in Platoon 5-A at Parris Island. A few days before
we left for our new duty stations, a WM Master Gunny was
telling us what to expect and what we might encounter. She told
us about the derogatory term "BAM" and that it stood for
broad-azzed-Marine. She suggested, if we were ever called that,
to respond by calling the other person a "HAM". The "H" stands
for half.
Clever, huh?
LCpl. Gwen Cochran
WM Company
Camp Pendleton
1961 - 1963
No Problem
I entered the Marine Corps in 1958; Platoon 231. I was 17 years
old, stood 5'2", weighed 109 lbs. I was the shortest Marine in
my Platoon. Needless to say they were not able to provide a
regulation uniform that fit, or a weapon either. Everything was
too big. All of my uniforms had to be tailored made.
I was issued a M1. With the bayonet attached, the weapon was
longer than I was tall. As anyone knows your arm has to reach
the stacking swivel. At the firing range, my DI's were trying to
stretch my arm when the Warrant Officer came down he demanded
that the weapon be made to fit the Marine, the Marine can not be
made to fit the weapon. Improvise, overcome....No problem, the
stock was sawed off so I could then qualify. Afterward I shot
Sharp Shooter. I have been told that this story continues to be
used to inspire new recruits.
James B. Johnson 1958 - 1966
USMC
Tried To Bring I Home
Hi Grit,
Here is my 2 cents on the Bomb Dump.
I just read about the Ammo Dump at DaNang in mid to late 1969
blowing up. No one talked about when the Bomb Dump blew up in
1967 or the first part of 1968. I was with VMA(aw)242 (A6As) at
DaNang when it went. We were in our hooches when it blew in the
afternoon. I saw the biggest RED ball of fire in my life when
the main bombs blew. The ball of fire shot straight up in the
sky - then I saw the shock wave coming at me. Just as I ducked
into the bunker I heard a whistling noise go over my head. After
the all clear was given - I got out of the bunker and saw what
made that whistling noise.
It was a 5 lb. piece of the rear end of a 500 lb. bomb embedded
in the ground. I tried to bring it home for a souvenir but the
higher ups said NO.
That was probably the scariest moment in my life - thinking that
I might have lost my head if I were a few seconds late getting
into the bunker.
"Semper-Fi"
Gunnery Sergeant of Marines
Gy/Sgt. Lew Souder, USMC/Ret. 1956-1976
Belong To The DI
I was with Platoon 3080 MCRD in 1980. We had one recruit that
was absolutely fantastic at spit shining his boots, they were
like glass. In fact, during our short free time at night, he
would offer to shine other guys boots. This would usually cost
us cookies at the chow hall or some other treat.
One day we marched up for chow and were standing there in
formation. Anyone who has ever been to MCRD knows about the
Pigeons that congregate around the chow hall. Anyway, this one
wayward Pigeon saunters over to this Private with his perfectly
shined boots. The Pigeon starts to peck at his boot. We were
all still at attention, but we watched in amazement as this
Pigeon was destroying his glass shined boots.
Finally, he could take it no more, and he kicked the Pigeon. It
flew in the air straight up with feathers flying everywhere.
The DI was all over the poor recruit. How could he kick that
poor Pigeon. And of course the Pigeon just happened to belong
to that DI. He made the recruit go over to where about 2 or 3
hundred of them were walking around pecking at the grass, and
made him act like a Pigeon so he could apologize to the bird.
We were all biting our tongues to keep from laughing, I almost
bit mine in half.
Billy Stevens
CPL/ret
3080, 3rd Battalion
1980
Made My Day
Doyle Clark, Sergeant of Marines. Good grief yes, the term
B---- A---- M------ is still around, especially with the old
dudes wandering down memory lane. I used to hate the
expression, finding it demeaning and derogatory which in my
opinion was how it was meant.
Now I have a tag on the front bumper of my Sport Trac that says
BAM. Most people now see it and think some of the letters have
fallen off - like maybe OBAMA or the school BAMA.
The other day a KorVet Navy guy saw my tag, smiled and came over
to my truck, gave me a big hand salute, thumbs up and a hug. He
knew where I was coming from. Made my day.
Yes, I am a BAM, and as the years move onward I am among the
fewer, prouder Marines. I am a huge History buff and writer of a
new volume of history Vietnam War Veterans of Wayne County, TN.
which features 523 narratives and pictures by, for and about the
men and women from this county who served during the NamWar era.
This is a companion to Volume 1, WWII and Korean Vets from Wayne
County, TN. great reads and available through the Wayne County
Historical Society, PO Box 688 W'boro Tn. 38485 Sunny 1960-1962
Quantico
Boot Camp brouhaha
Grit,
I must chime in on the forever-ongoing Parris Island versus San
Diego Boot Camp brouhaha. This ongoing albeit comical
disagreement has been going on since Christ was a Corporal.
I was a "Hollywood" Marine that served with many of my Brothers
that had their Azzes chewed off by Sand Fleas. I can say many
things about both, but we are all Marines and went through H&ll
and back to earn that title, and that's all that matters. One
poke @ P.I. Marines; you never humped Mount Motherfvcker!
Maddog
Note: Or practiced drill by the fence line next to the San Diego
Airport.
When a jet took off or landed you could not hear the DI. Of
course that was not acceptable. "On your knuckles ladies."
Sgt Grit
What Makes Me Stay a US Marine
Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome
Never Surrender, Never Give Up, Full Speed Ahead
Swift Silent Deadly
When a child cries, I Listen, Locate, and Help
Walking with a lady, I walk on the curb near the cars to protect
her
I Pray 3 times a day to the Almighty Father Creator of Heaven
and Earth
All my Body Parts are Weapons
Cpl Edwin Encarnacion USMC Vet
ONTOS
SSgt D. E. Wilson is right in his assumption that the ONTOS he
unloaded at the Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia did in fact end
up at Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va. I
was assigned to G-4 Section, Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force,
Atlantic from 1955 to 1959 and remember typing reports on the
ONTOS evaluation. The funny thing I remember about this was that
all the reports were classified either Confidential or Secret.
Then I went home on leave and happened to pick up one of the
Men's magazines and saw a better report with pictures of the
ONTOS than I had worked on in G-4 Section. Don't remember much
about the reports other than it required dismounting to load.
Jim Connor
1955-1959
He'll Correct The Mistake
Sgt Grit: I look forward to your newsletter every week and enjoy
reading stories from Marines both distant past and not so
distant past. I particularly enjoy stories about things that
happened at boot camp. Hence, I thought I would add one of my
own.
I arrived at PI in January, 66 and for the most part kept out of
trouble; except for this one day. Early one morning while
marching around the Parade Deck I screwed up (I don't remember
how) and was told by the Sr. DI to report to him when we got
back to the "barn". I, along with everyone else in the platoon,
knew exactly what that meant. I was going to get my head handed
to me.
I guess we had a very full schedule that day (along with every
other day) and did not return until very late that afternoon. As
usual, we ran into the barn, stowed out rifles etc. and stood at
attention in front of our racks. I thought to myself that this
man was only human and by now he had forgotten all about what
happened earlier in the day. I never moved! After waiting about
30 seconds in the center of the squad bay, he came to attention,
turned and headed straight for me. My heart stopped. He marched
as only a DI could, made a precise Marine turn and proceeded to
kick the crap out of the recruit next to me. Since the first day
of boot camp it had been drilled into us that we could never
speak without first asking permission, neither one of us were
able to open our mouth. I'm sure the guy next to me wanted to
speak almost as much as I didn't. I'm not going to mention the
name of the DI since I'm absolutely sure if he reads this, in
about a week there will be a knock on my front door and he'll
correct the mistake he made 43 years ago.
God Bless him and others like him who took young men and women
and did the impossible, turned them into Marines.
C F Larkin Cpl
2237155
Embassy Guard Reunion
I read the Sgt. Grit 11/6 issue and saw a couple of the vehicles
pictured.
So, I thought I'd send a picture of my "2001" Corvette, proudly
representing the Corps and the Marine Embassy Guard Association.
I proudly served from May 69 to May of 73 and was assigned to
the Embassy in Vientiane Laos from Oct 70 to April 73.
The Marine Embassy Guard Association has an annual reunion every
year in April or May. Even years (08) are at a location in the
US voted on by the MEGA members, the April 08 reunion was in San
Diego.
The odd years (09) are held in Virginia, where we attend a MSG
graduation as one of the reunion activities. Marine Embassy
Guards that were stationed all over the world attend, it is a
great experience and time to reflect with old duty station
Marines.
A few years back we went to Quantico and Fam-Fired all of the
new weapons currently in use at the Embassies. What a change
from the old M-14's and 38 Revolvers. We burned all the rounds
they provided and when they realized they had more available, in
true Marine Tradition, we burned them too! No One tired of the
experience that day, it was great!
The next reunion will be May 15th - 17th in Alexandria, VA.
If you are reading this and were a Marine Embassy Guard with an
Honorable Discharge and would like to join, go to www.embassymarine.org
for more information on the home page.
Semper Fi,
Sgt. Jim Hollister
South Bend, IN
Tents The First Night
All those great sea stories brought back some hilarious
memories. I remember boot at P.I. in the forties; WWII was still
on--but coming to an end. We got off the train at Yemasee and
were met by several DIs who came up to us nose to nose and
offered us out for a fight- individually, to show them how tough
we were. Then, we were herded on to open-racked trucks and
carted off to P.I., where we slept in tents the first night.
There were no yellow prints then.
Anyone remember living in the two story wooden barracks and the
Dis continually yelling, "Outside, Inside" making us run up and
down the fire escape stairs until we were exhausted? And then
for kicks, haul us out of the sacks for a sand-field
day--throwing buckets of sand on the wooden floors, and then
buckets of water, and scrubbing the mess with bricks until the
sand was thoroughly ingrained in the wood seams. And then we'd
spend the rest of the night cleaning up the mess until there
wasn't a drop of sand left. It wasn't uncommon to go the entire
nightwithout sleep and then run the regular drill the next day
in the sand pits wearing boon dockers and those heavy dungarees.
And remember no pogey bait? We had a couple of boots slip out
and somehow get hold of ice cream. But they got caught and for
the next several hours under a hot sun, in perhaps 100 degree
weather, our platoon stood at attention while the boots in front
of us, had a gallon of ice cream on top of their heads, slowly
melting in the bright sun. And when they finished, they put the
wash buckets over their heads and yelled " I am a S---Bird" for
an hour. Needless to say, they lost their taste for pogey bait
after that.
And remember the cry was not only Semper FI-do or die, but Gung
Ho!
At one base, we felt the Corps must have been experimenting with
us since the food was so bad. We got black coffee, apple skins
and one piece of hard toast for breakfast. We got the apple
cores at dinner.
And then one day, our outfit was called to attention to witness
a court martial. The chef had been caught stealing our food and
selling it to civilians. Needless to say, as we turned our backs
to him during the court martial, we felt no sympathy for him. It
also felt great to have a decent meal after that episode.
And remember shining your shoes with Aqua Velva after-shave
lotion and polish and then mixing the Aqua Velva with juice for
a drink after? I guess sometimes we Marines did get a little too
adventurous.
Isn't it strange how we all tend to remember the humorous and
good times in the Corps and forget the bad? But then, it's
better that way.
Some years ago, I revisited PI to write a story for several
newspapers about PI 50 years later. The changes were many but
the Corps is still the Corps and training as tough and
disciplined as ever. And the DIs still retain their sadistic
sense of humor. During my visit, several boots said they missed
TV so the DI promised them that if they completed the days
drills in an exemplary manner, he would let them watch TV that
night. They complied and he had a TV rolled in to the barracks
and ordered them to watch. There was only one hitch. There was
no picture. Only snow. And the platoon had to sit there for two
hours watching snow.
Ahh, those DIs. They should be hired by the TV networks to write
comedy. Bless them all. They made the Corps what it is today.
Semper Fi
Bill Cuccinello
Out To Red Beach
I was at the R&R transit center right across from the Seabee
camp when the dump blew. That morning we could see smoke up near
the ammo dump, and word came down that they were burning brush
around the perimeter. A little later on we saw some willy peter
rounds go off, and no one really thought much about it. When the
first bomb went off it got everyone's attention.
We all hauled butt to the bunkers and I don't recall how long we
were in there before they had buses and 6X6's pulling up and
telling us to get on and they took us all out to red beach where
we sat outside all night and watched the fireworks. When we got
back to our base a few days later it was mostly destroyed by the
blast damage, and we found unexploded rounds all over including
a 155 round imbedded in the roof of our hootch. I often wondered
what happened to those Marines that were burning the brush, if
that is what actually happened. I would also be curious what the
"official" report was.
Sgt.Ron Roth
1963-1974
Kimono
Here is a story should get a laugh from anyone who has gone thru
Parris Island. After being harassed all day long and not
knowing which end was up, I suddenly had the urge to use the
toilet (Number 2). As the DI came in my direction while I was
at attention in front of my rack, I said, "Sir! Private
Cavaliere requests permission to speak to the Drill Instructor"
The reply was, "What do you want, maggot?". "Sir, Private
Cavaliere requests permission to use the head" The DI replied,
"What do you have to do, TURD?". Well, now that I was on my way
to being a Marine, I didn't want to sound like a p***y so I
said, "Sir, private Cavaliere requests permission to sh*t!
Well, that really set him off and he ran down to the end of the
squad bay brought back three more DI's. They were all screaming
at me, calling me a punk from NY. So they asked me again what I
wanted to do. This time, after having a little more time to
think, I said, " Sir, private Cavaliere requests permission to
use the KIMONO (I meant to say camode). Now they really went
bonkers, accusing me of wanting to Sh*t in my Kimono. By this
time, I lost the urge and was the target of their fun for the
next week.
I did redeem myself. I won the MCRD Parris Island pistol
competition. I shot a 356 out of possible 400. I was awarded a
gold Leatherneck award. Shot expert on the rifle range. Made
the rifle team. I made PFC out of boot camp. I spent two years
on active duty and two years in St Albans Naval Hospital with
two crushed legs. I was discharged for medical reasons.
LCpl Joseph Cavaliere
3rd Marine Division
3rd Anti-tank Battalion
ONTOS COMMANDER
I Can Trust Them
I never thought I would be able to repeat this story, but, here
goes. In 1964 while on my way to Okinawa, I was aboard ship
with 3/9 and were about to dock in Subic Bay, Philippines.
While aboard ship I became friend's (so I thought) with a couple
of swabbies. Since my brother was a swabbie in WWII I thought
what the h&ll, I can trust them. They took me with them during
our first liberty in a foreign port so they could show me the
"ropes". We wound up in a bar in the town of Olangapo. Being
19 years old and, horny as h&ll, they said they would fix me up
with one of the young girl's working there. I told them that
would be great. Pretty soon they came over with a beautiful
young thing that looked about 16 years old. They left the bar
telling me to have a good night and, don't be late coming back
off liberty. I thought to myself, these swabbies are OK in my
book.
After exchanging a lot of spit, tongue, and some quick feels of
her breasts, we left to go down the street to a hotel. Up in
her room she told me to take off my clothes while she went and
changed in the bathroom. She came out wearing a very nice robe
and looking even hotter. As she slowing removed her robe I was
lost for words, embarrassed, p!ssed off, so d*mn mad I could
have won the Vietnam war by myself. (I served 2 tours later)
She, it, or whatever, was more endowed with the male love muscle
than I would ever be.
As I screamed and, told it that I was going to kill him, I fell
over my trousers trying to get dressed as he ran out the door.
I chased him but no luck. He was long gone. I came to find out
he was called a "Benny Boy". I guess my swabbie friends weren't
sure good friends after all. They took a young LCPL and, gave
him a worldly lesson. I never could find them again after
liberty. I'm now 63 years old and can finally relate this story
without too much shame. Maybe some young Jarhead will read this
and, beware of swabbies bearing gifts of friendship. By the way
my brother laughed until he cried, and called me a dumb sea
going bellhop.
Sgt. Gary E. Best (inactive but ready)
RVN 65' 66' 67'
"The Grim Reaper"
I wrote a letter to the newsletter a few weeks back. I'm the guy
who went through MCRD San Diego in "64" and got slapped so hard
on the side of my gourd I saw yellow stars.....felt like I got
hit in the head with a diving board. Wasn't the only time I ate
knuckles while I was there either. I don't know why P.I. guys
think that they had it tougher than San Diego guys. The training
is the same. They p.t. you until you think you are going to die,
there is always a Drill Instructor standing by to feed you your
spurs when you make the slightest mistake, or fail during p.t.
Yes, P.I. has sand fleas but San Diego guys have the Camp
Pendleton hills to hump up and down on, and whether its winter
or summer they are a bear. I read one letter that discussed the
old Camp Mathews rifle range. My series was one of the last, if
not the last, to go through before the Corps switched to the
Edson range.
I don't think there was a recruit that went through Mathews that
did not experience both "Big Agony" and "Little Agony." For you
P.I. guys, be glad you had the sand fleas. Both of these hills
deserved their names. Now the San Diego guys have "The Grim
Reaper", and this one looks as nasty and bad as anything I ever
went up, and that includes "Old Smokey" during ITR at Camp
Pendleton. Look guys, both places are h&ll holes, that's why you
come out Marines. Everybody deal with it. Semper Fi boys!
John Vater
Sgt. USMC
Has This Ever Happened
First wake up at MCRD. Sh*tcans flying down the middle of the
squadbay, wooden clubs beating on the lids, squadbay lights
flashing on and off, and three D.I's running in screaming "Get
Up!" "Get Up!" "Get Out of the Rack!".
I jumped out of the rack and found myself standing at attention
as I fully woke up. Then I realize the recruit directly across
from me is on the ground, and the five foot tall Processing D.I.
is on top of him appearing to be beating the life out of him. He
is lying on the ground thrashing around, arms flailing, in what
appears to be defensive movements to save himself from the wake
up attack. I'm thinking to myself "Oh my gosh, we're awake for 5
seconds and they are already beating on us" "This is going to be
a long 12 weeks". Then the D.I. starts yelling at the recruit,
asking him "Has this ever happened to you before?", "No" he
answered. WHAT? What do you mean, has this ever happened to you
before? Has he ever been woke up by someone beating the crap out
of him? Then the D.I. yells for one of the other D.I.'s to get a
corpsman.
Now I'm thinking "Well at least they're going to make certain
we're cared for after they beat on us". A few more questions and
I realize the guy was not getting a beatdown, he had a seizure.
I guess the sh*tcans, hammering on the lids, the lights
flashing, the yelling, this guy's brain just checked out on him
and he had a seizure. Just goes to prove the point. Boot camp
can't be like summer camp. It's not the Boy Scouts. It wasn't by
any fault of that recruit, but you can't have untested men
falling out having seizures when rounds come inbound. At 6'4" I
never saw that Processing D.I.'s face above the nose. But he did
his job in weeding out someone that would have been casualty or
caused casualties in a high stress situation. That's what D.I.'s
do, make Marines and weed out the ones that for whatever reason
won't make it.
G. Cagle, Sgt USMC 79-83
It Was Really Me
Sgt. Grit
I sent for a copy of my MCRD San Diego, Platoon picture last
year. I had to look at it for a while to realize that it was
really me. I'm happy to pass this along to you.
Thank you
Ronald Fallo (Sgt) At the time of discharge in 1968. Did my tour
in Nam and got out.
They Would Buzz
Rifle Range, And all that was learn there "Mastering
Marksmanship & M.1 Rifle"
How many Marines remember this or GOT one ouch. m.1 thumb
Also remember the sand fleas took a gal of my blood they where
bad, One other flying hard biting creature not mention or
forgotten about to date.
HORSEFLIES at the SWIMMING POOL, we had to go through them cold
showers to rinse off before going into the pool, then had to
stand in straight lines.
They would buzz us sound loud as a plain then strike land on a
body and start boring remember that experience Marines and all
the while your D.I.watching.
RECRUIT. Mike Dumais
PLT 125
P.I. 1961, MAY to AUG
1st Batt
G-3-11 Cannon Cockers
Hi Sarge,
G-3-11 Cannon Cockers Reunion, will kickoff on September 14th
and end up on the evening of the 17th, 2009, at the Circus
Circus Hotel in Reno, NV.
More details are available by contacting Ken Hanley at (916)
782-2946 or jarhead48 @ comcast .net Like all reunions, when
contacting the Hotel for reservations, you must tell them you
are with "G-3-11 Cannon Cockers" to get the special rates.
Of course all Marines and Corpsmen who were attached to George
Battery are invited. After 50 years we are finally getting
together, this is our 4th reunion and we have grown from about
12 at the first reunion to 37 at our last one in San Diego last
summer.
Come on you old Cannon Cockers, pick up that cane, latch on to
your bride and join us, transportation between the airport and
Hotel is provided by the Hotel.
Semper Fi
Ken
1968
Hello Sgt Grit,
Been seeing the items about 60s Marines and thought I'd share my
boot platoon pic from 1968.
Thanks for great site and awesome newsletter.
Carl Conkling
68 - 72 and 73 - 75
stateside
1954
Sgt. Grit,
I would like to share with your readers my Boot Camp picture
from June 1954 thru September 1954. at MCRD San Diego,
California. I was in Platoon 361 and our DI's were SSGT C.J.
EASON, SGT. R.L. PATTON and CPL. S.C. SHOCKLEY.
Just a few observations from reading your great news letter over
the past 4 to 5 years.
I don't ever recall seeing yellow foot prints in San Diego. The
first time I saw the yellow foot prints was at the opening of
the Marine Corps Heritage Museum in Quantico, Va Nov. 10th,
2006
If you haven't visited the Museum in Quantico do so. It will
take 2 to 3 days to see it all. Also I would recommend taking
in a Boot Graduation. It will make your eyes sweat
We were issued Ike Jackets in 1954 and wore then very often on
liberty in Japan.
Finally, we went to Camp Mathews in Sept. 1954, which now I
believe is San Diego State University.
Thank you for all you do for all of us Marines, Past, Present
and Future and the great items that you have in your catalog
Pfc. R.O Berg, 1472172
Chorus Of Shouts And Insults
As I exited the Marine Corps bus in the late evening of
26October56 (to the chorus of shouts and insults) we were told
to find 2 painted yellow feet and place our right foot in the
right and the left foot in the left. This was October of 1956.
Some earlier letters indicated some uncertainty as to when those
'feet' appeared. I know that they were there when I arrived in
October and were still in place when I headed up to CamPen in
February of 1957.
Mention was made in an earlier letter, of the Little Agony and
Big Agony opportunity at the former rifle marksmanship area,
Camp Mathews. Yes, we did the duck walk up and down, holding
our M-1s above our heads all the while, just to improve our boot
camp experience. My platoon (1066) spent 3 very cold weeks in
that location - 2 on the range and one on mess duty. At that
time, housing was in pyramidal tents with an oil burning stove
in the center, implanted in a sand box. Needless to say, none
of them EVER had a fire and despite having grown up in Wisconsin
and Illinois, I was never so cold as during my time there.
An interesting sequence occurred during this part of boot camp.
About a year or so before I began to dig my heels on the
Grinder, there was an incident in the Parris Island area wherein
some recruits were drowned during their training. As a result,
many of the DIs were very, very careful about what they did and
to whom. This is not to say that there was no corporal
punishment, however.
Our 3 DIs were, S/Sgt Wakefield, Sgt. Encarniso and Sgt. W.
Self. While at the Mathews marksmanship range, the 2 junior
NCOs decided to take some pelts by bagging rabbits around the
range using their own .22 rifles. Due to their success they
ended up with a dozen or more pelts that were going to spoil if
they didn't treat them. As luck would have it, I was walking
down our company street when I was stopped by Sgt. Encarniso who
promptly told me to go get some salt so they could preserve
their game. (I was 21 years old and had spent some time in high
school ROTC and the USMC reserves which meant I had some
training prior to boot camp. This made the 3 DIs just a little
suspicious that I might have been CID (Criminal Investigation
Div.) and placed in the Platoon to report on any abuses.)
Faced with the mission I headed up to the mess hall which was
the only place where I could think of finding sufficient salt
for the task. I have said it many times that God watches over
Fools, Drunks and Irishmen and this time He really helped.
Trying hard NOT to look as though I was loitering, I loitered
long enough to attract the attention of a messman doing general
cleanup. He and I quickly made a bargain - 5 cigarettes for 5
pounds of salt which he was able to liberate from the kitchen.
At this point, we both could have been charged with theft, but I
was able to hide the salt inside my utility shirt and hastily
presented it to a very surprised Drill Instructor. He started
to ask me where and how I got it but then changed his mind,
preferring to have no knowledge of the transaction.
Later during our boot camp experience, he once accused me of
being CID - to my face. Trying hard to not smile I of course
denied it (I wasn't lying) but the staff never mentioned it
again. Marines who did their boot camp at Dago and shooting at
Mathews will remember the hike back to MCRD from the Mathews/La
Jolla area which, as I recall was about 20 miles. Good training
for the ITR experience at Pendleton.
Semper Fi
Terrence L. Moran
Sgt. 1451513
Marine Brothers
Sgt Grit
Here is photos of me and my brothers.
L/Cpl Dale Landon 2008036
Same High Standards
SGT. GRIT:
When I enlisted in the Marine Corps I was a boy in 1968. The
Marine Corps made me a Marine. When girls enlist in the Marine
Corps, the Marine Corps makes them Marines.
They are held to the same high standards that we all are. They
go to MCRD Parris Island for 12 weeks of the hardest boot camp
of all the services and four weeks of advanced infantry
training. They qualify with the M-16 Rifle and 9mm pistol
yearly. They receive the same MarPat training. They face the
same promotion requirements.
The term BAM is derogatory, demeaning, it is as insulting as
calling a male Marine SPAM. As a human relations instructor I
found that this term is equal to the N word. Their careers,
their life's goals, and the Marine Corps are just as important
to them as their counter parts. As a human relations instructor
we tried to empress upon all thatch that there is only one color
in the Marine Corps. MARINE GREEN and the only s&x in the Marine
Corps is MARINE.
Congress will not allow them into direct combat situations but
as they filter into all the MOS fields they are proving them
selves to be worthy of the title DEVIL DOGS.
PFC. Linda Austin You are a Marine! Never let any one tell you
different. You earned the title and no one can take that away
from you.
That's my two cents.
Rodney Riffe SGT. of Marines 68 to 75.
For Everyone Else
Sgt Grit,
I was reading your most recent newsletter when I saw the notice
about the death of Jack R.Gulden. I am sure this must be the
same Jack Gulden who worked with me in the beer business in the
1980s. Gulden was a good man and one tough hombre. He used to
say me "when it's too tough for everyone else, it's just right
for you and me." Jack was a Force Recon Marine and a very
proud one.
Semper Fi!
Al Horton (former Cpl USMC)
Own Brand Of Discomfort
Sgt. Grit,
I suppose this topic will never go away (P.I. Marines vs
Hollywood Marines) so let me offer my opinion.
I was never on the East Coast while on active duty. I can tell
everyone that is does get cold at MCRD San Diego in the winter.
I started boot camp in Dec. 1969 and I learned to LOVE wool
blankets in a hurry. Platoon 1232 was billeted in Quonset huts
with diesel heaters. If we wanted heat, we had to have a
"firewatch". No one wanted to stand that duty so we did without
for a few weeks. Believe me, it did get cold and damp at times
there. My brother was there in the summer of 1966 and I can
remember him telling me of days that a certain flag was raised
in the recruit training area limiting certain types of PT. We
had no sand fleas but we had squids across the fence that we
could see lying on the grass smoking while we were training. We
had diesel fired heaters in garbage cans to boil our mess trays
in after eating chow. Our DI's had no hands off policy then, so
they were a double threat.
Let's leave it at both coasts had their own brand of discomfort
and we all packed the gear!
Semper Fi,
L/Cpl Dan Buchanan
1969-71
The Special Year
Thought you would get a laugh out of your sign, decal, emblem
or what ever it is called.. I put the Marine emblem on my truck in the 3 spots where the original "Excursion" emblem is, I wanted to replace the original, but, your emblem was too small
to cover the factory holes for mounting.
Yesterday I am pulling out of my drive at my wife's place of
business, "Halley's K9s for Veterans" and 3 guys, my age were
standing talking about something. One stopped me and asked, "is
that an original model excursion?" well it is, was, etc, so I
said yes, he replied, when did they make a model for the
Marines? I could not help myself, thinking he was pulling MY
leg, I said in reply, "Why 2000 was the special year for the
Marine special order edition, it even out sold the Eddie Bower
edition that year, buy the look in his face, I then knew he
believed every word I said, he turned to his buds and
exclaimed,, "Hey guys, look at this, a Marine edition Ford".
Thanks Sgt Grit for the fun in my life, I, as you can see, made
a thin slice on a Vietnam ribbon and put it between the emblems
in all 3 places, both sides and the rear, looks great.
Semper Fi,
Sgt. Mike Halley
USMC 1060/68
Nam 1965/66/67/68
HMM-261
Watch My Mail
I'm Sgt Wackerly, 53-56, old guy...have young friend Capt George
whom I have know since he was 4 or 5, heard he had joined but
didn't know until couple of months ago he was USMC Blackhawk
pilot in Al Anbar. We have been writing, I sent him a pic of me
and couple of friends on USS Wisconsin from l955 and he laughed
and said it was on his locker and everyone wanted to know who it
was. anyhow...he asked me to watch my mail couple of weeks ago
and this last Monday I got a package. US flag with certificate
signed by his pilot and him, had flown on their bird on march
17th on mission in support of 3rd Marines, I couldn't be so
proud..he's what its about..
Don Wackerly Sgt...53-56, and yes I was a Hollywood Marine....
One Night In A Squadbay
Since I am now 70 years old, I decided that I needed to share
some memories with other Marines who have likely had similar
experiences.
I am just old enough to remember the latter part of WW II in
which I had three brothers-in-law who served with the Marines in
the Pacific. My older brother was a P-38 Lightning fighter
pilot also serving in the Pacific. The Marines served in the
following campaigns - Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima and
Okinawa. Luckily they all survived although some were seriously
wounded. These men never uttered a word about their experiences,
but I sensed something in them which I was unable to define
until I too became a Marine when, in 1957, I went through boot
camp at PI with 10 high school classmates. What I sensed was
confidence, maturity and self-discipline.
Throughout the Vietnam war, my heart went out to all the Marines
and members of other forces fighting to preserve our interests
despite the abominable treatment they were subjected to by many
of those they were protecting. I never forgot their sacrifice
and have been to "the wall" many times and each time I've been
moved to tears. Fast forward to Desert Storm where my son
served as a Bradley fighting vehicle commander and, even though
he was Army, I was and still am proud of him.
In 1992, my daughter was appointed to the US Naval Academy and
graduated in 1996. She took her commission in the Marine Corps,
attended Basic School at Quantico, flight school at Pensacola
and became a Naval Flight Officer assigned to a Prowler
squadron. Two tours in Saudi Arabia flying the southern no fly
zone and one in Turkey flying the northern zone. Served 8 years
active duty and remained in the active reserve where she is now
a Major in command of a 100+ member reserve unit. One point of
the story revolves around her time at the Academy.
One of my brothers in law, veteran of Guadalcanal and Tarawa,
visited with me in New Jersey and I made arrangements to have
him visit the Academy where we were invited to have lunch with
my daughter and members of her platoon. Here was a 70+ year old
high school dropout "gunny" from the "Old Corps" mixing with
some of the brightest young men and women in our country. He
was treated as a hero by these midshipmen and we could have
spent many hours with them absent training schedules. He
answered their many questions with aplomb and I think he was
happier that day than any other I remember.
My own experience with the Corps remains one of the highlights
of my life. I attribute what success I've achieved to that 13
weeks at PI. In 1999, 9 of us and our wives decided on a
reunion at PI. We planned far in advance and coordinated with
the public information office at PI. What they arranged for us
was spectacular. A male drill instructor and a female drill
instructor were assigned to accompany us throughout our stay
which lasted several days. We were picked up at our hotel each
morning in a bus, driven onto the island and had a full day of
activities planned and coordinated by the PI staff. The men
were given the choice on the first day of standing on the yellow
footprints or going into receiving with our wives. We, of
course, opted for the footprints.
The receiving drill instructor did his best to play the role for
60 year old, paunchy guys trying to stand at attention and
respond appropriately to his questions while our wives stood
aside laughing at us. From then on, we were taken through every
area imaginable including lunch in the mess hall, the PT
training fields, the rifle ranges where they allowed us to try
the M16 (with appropriate supervision), the Crucible course,
etc. The women were taken through areas where female Marines
train. The guys even got to spend one night in a squad bay. I
swear I heard the DI's footsteps and the light switch at
reveille in the morning. Yes, we got up at the same time as the
recruits.
There are only six of our original group left, but we get
together at least once each year somewhere in the US and just
have fun. Marines are a family and share bonds that allow for
easy interaction even after years apart. I wish all my brother
and sister Marines God speed.
Semper Fi,
Walt McFarland (Mac) Cpl
HQ, FMFLANT
Beautiful
No we are no longer called BAMS, but it is called now BEAUTIFUL
AMERICAN MARINE, Woman Marine and now we are called Marines. I
served in the USMC from 18 Jan 1964 to 15 Sept 1965 due to
seizure I had a honorable and medical discharge. Took Basic at
Parris Island and from there transferred to Camp Pendleton. I
was going to make it a career, but have never regretted serving
and still I call myself a Marine.
Linda (Austin) Sattefield
Pfc. 64-65 USMC
All In All
Sgt Grit:
Just sitting here thinking, almost 10:00 PM, CDT; 60 years ago
today, 30 March, 1949, I joined the U. S. Marine Corps; actually
the Marine Corps Reserve, "C" Company, 14th Infantry Battalion,
USMCR, Nashville, TN. I was assigned to the Mortar Section,
60mm's at that time, went to Camp Lejeune, NC, for the first two
weeks training, never did get to go to the second one, in 1950,
something else came up. Promoted to PFC, in September 1949.
When the Reserve Mobilization came in July, 1950, of course our
unit was activated, along with all the rest of the Reserves.
The company boarded a troop train, the night of August 21, and
on to Camp Pendleton. I remember going through Las Vegas, NV,
supposedly the temperature at 120F.
For some reason, I sat at Camp Pendleton until October, 1950,
then transferred to the Marine Barracks, U. S. Naval Station,
San Diego. The next April (1951), I was transferred to MCRD,
for boot camp. I almost made it to Sea School, when the platoon
graduated, but was pulled back to the 3rd Recruit Training
Battalion, working in the office; was promoted to Corporal (E3)
about that time. From the 3rd RTB, I went to the 7th RTB, then
to Separation Battalion, processing the troops coming back from
Korea; promoted to Sgt (E4); next to the 1st RTB, and then in
October, 1953, across the Bay to the Amphibious Base at
Coronado. "Chesty" was CG when I arrived there.
February, 1956, transferred to the 3rd Marine Division, Okinawa,
assigned to HqCo, HqBn, working in the Adjutant's Office. Back
to MCRDep, San Diego, in June 1957; also, had met the young lady
before I left for Okinawa, whom I married on the 26th of June.
Promoted to SSgt (E5), while at MCRDep. It was here, on a
Friday PM parade when I stuck the tip of my sword into my right
ear.
July, 1959, transferred to Santa Rosa (where in the world is
Santa Rosa?) About 55 miles north of San Francisco; 35th Rifle
Company, I-I Staff. Spent 3 years there, then down to Santa
Ana, MCAF, Air Control Squadron (MACS-4), in July, 1962; year at
MCAF, then deployed to Iwakuni, Japan, for one more year.
Coming back to MCAS, Yuma, AZ; moved into our house, in a rain,
on my birthday, October 17, 1964. It was at Yuma, that I was
promoted to SSgt (E6, this time) Finally, March, 1967,
transferred to HQMC, working in the Publications and Printing
Section, promoted to GySgt, in 1968. I told them that HQMC was
the last place that I wanted to be stationed, and it was, I
retired in January, 1970.
While on Okinawa, I ran into GySgt Floyd E. Taylor, whom I had
worked with as Sgt. Taylor, at MB, NS, San Diego, also, later on
at HQMC, 1stLt Richard Burlingame, had been Cpl. Burlingame, at
the NS, San Diego.
Although I went through boot camp at San Diego, through a quirk
of fate, we were never issued sun glasses; actually, I already
had my own (Bausch & Lomb). I do remember that the senior DI
was Sgt John Medas, juniors Cpl. William Ockert, and a PFC
Bipes. I do not have the slightest clue what the platoon number
was.
After I retired in January, 1970, I stuck around the DC area and
went to a Data Processing school, then after moving back to
Tennessee, I worked for the Department of Employment Security,
in Nashville, retiring from the state in October 1991. All in
all, a very good life.
James R. McMahon, GySgt of Marines
Getlin's Corner, Viet Nam
42 years ago today was the worst day of my life and it happened
at Getlin's Corner, close to Con Thien, March 30, 1967! Four
Marines in my squad plus two Marines (an 0341 and a 0351) that
joined with my squad in a counter attack paid the ultimate
sacrifice for their brothers. 15 Marines in total paid with
their lives on a hill that the Vietnamese people today call
"Bloody Hill!" 12 Marines from India/3/9 and 3 Marines from our
FAC Team are named on panel 17E of The Wall. Getlin's Corner or
Hill 70, is remembered to the Vietnamese as "Bloody Hill"
because of the hundreds of NVA soldiers we killed on that hill.
The February issue of Leatherneck features a story of this
battle written by Assoc. Editor Ron Keene.
Please remember the families of these Marines today in your
prayers because the anniversary date of all Marines killed in
action is especially hard for the families and the brothers who
survived:
Capt. Michael P. Getlin Navy Cross
2nd Lt. John P. Bobo Medal of Honor
Cpl. John L. Loweranitis Navy Cross
PFC Albert G. Anter Purple Heart
PFC Ruben M. Armenta Purple Heart
L/Cpl James E. Blevins Purple Heart
PFC Edward E. Cannon Purple Heart
PFC Larry H. Crumbaker Purple Heart
Cpl. Walter J. Nerad Purple Heart
Cpl. David A. Siemon Purple Heart
PFC Frank H. Thomas Purple Heart
PFC Wallace Williams Purple Heart
Capt. Ralph B. Pappas Purple Heart FAC Team
L/Cpl Donald W. Krick Purple Heart FAC Team
Cpl. Roman R. Villamor Purple Heart FAC Team
Semper Fidelis
Jack Riley
India 3/9 July 1966-Aug. 1967
HQCO 9th Marines
Sgt. Grit,
I am enclosing a several of the photos from our "gathering"; the first photo is a group photo taken prior to a dinner cruise in
Charleston harbor, next is a photo of the infamous yellow foot
prints awaiting each new recruit at Parris Island and the third
photo of HqCo9th Marines standing on those footprints. There
were two newly formed platoons within ear and eye sight to
witness us forming up on the foot prints and I could only
imagine was going through their minds as well as the Drill
Instructor that was with them. I should pass along that if any
other Marines visit either recruit depot they should be cautious
of their behavior; one Drill Instructor caught me talking in the
mess hall and required me to do some push ups for that
infraction.
All in all we had a wonderful time there; we got to test our
skills on the M 16 simulator at the rifle range. I would highly
recommend others to hold reunions where a side trip to PI would
be available. We hope to meet again in San Diego sometime in
2011.
I hope to soon publish more photos from our reunion on our
website www.hqco9thmarines.com.
Again, thank you for what you contributed toward our reunion and
also for you posting a link to our website several months ago.
I know that a lot of Marines visit your website and with you
making links available to sites such as ours helps us as we try
and locate men from our company.
I can be reached at jackloveday @ scrtc. com .
Semper Fi
Jack Loveday
Later Became Friends
Reading these stories brought back a lot of memories as it seems
to have done for a lot of the OLD CORPS. I recall the swearing
in at Cleveland, OH and the overnight train ride to DC. Half a
day there and the train ride that was planned to get us to PI in
the wee hours of the morning. (This was before the yellow foot
prints) All the crap we went to get the civilian driven out of
us and being made into the "worlds best fighting machine."
Reading some of the stories by Women Marines and being as PI was
the only recruit depot for Women Marines, reminded me that we
were always cautioned to never get caught turning an eye if we
should ever spot a "BAM" as we were told they were called. Only
after graduation did I ever see one. Later, I was in Korea and
was assigned to D Co. 1st Mtr Trans Bn as a mechanic and was in
there when the 1st MARDIV returned to the states and moved into
Camp Pendleton. We were camped at Vado Del Rio which was near
the Generals Ranch.
I had occasion to have to pick up and deliver goods to and from
the main side warehouses. I went into an office there and
encountered a very pretty young Woman Marine PFC and I stated
that she was the first "BAM" that I ever met. She was very quick
to let me know that that was not an appreciated name for them to
be called. ( Who Knew?) She then referred to me as a "HAM" and
informed me that stood for Half A---d Marine. We later became
friends and I often wonder what ever became of her. I later
married my home time sweetheart and left the Corps.
Sure would like to hear from any of the old 1st Motor Transport
buddies of that era.
Not as lean not as mean but still a Marine
Semper Fi
Sgt John Deliman
All Very Amusing
In regards to Cpl. Edsons story " DI got finished". I also
witnessed one in 1965.
We were on a 'smoke break' from classes at the Basic
Electronics School at MCRD, which was located right at the end
of the old Lindbergh Field and the juncture with NTC. A recruit,
in his dungarees [ as I remember], goes jogging by on the other
side of the fence with seabag in tow. He then stops, tosses the
bag over the fence, and follows after... to continue his 'run'
down the road on the MCRD side of the fence.
We find this all very amusing... so that we holler out such
words of encouragement as we can.
And before we could finish our 'butts', a jeep with a couple of
determined looking MP's aboard, goes racing down the road in the
direction taken by the wayward recruit. Only then, shortly to
return with one unhappy sailor. Several days later we inquired
of one of the instructors regarding the incident. We were told
that upon the recruits return to his CO, the Commander indicated
that it was obvious that this recruit did not want to be in the
Navy...so he signed the papers transferring him into the Marine
Corps. I think that he was standing on the 'footprints' that
same afternoon.
And am I the only one seeing a pattern here...?
Postscript : OK, all you PI types and your fleas...don't you
know what Las Pulgas means? Anyone in the 'New Corps' know what
animals would be calling that fine place home today?
Semper Fi all...
Sgt. Steven Parmenter ['65 - '69 ]
Target Zones
Mr. Henry,
As a Parris Island recruit (Plt 337 summer 1973) and 3rd
Battalion Drill Instructor (1976 to 1977), I feel qualified to
respond to Mr. Henry's interrogative as to why do PI Marines
feel somewhat "badder" than those "Hollywood" Marines. Yes,
there are sand fleas and they do bite. But, it is where they
bite and what happens if you try and stop them from biting that
gives the PI Marine the history and legacy of being a bit more
disciplined.
Oh. to relive those beautiful early summer mornings with
recruits pouring out of squadbays to form up for PT with shorts
and T-shirts. The smell of "Skin-so-Soft" and Cutters permeating
the heavy morning air. Here we go: "Platooooon, AaaatenHut!
Dress right Dress! Ready Front! Cover. Now, let the shaking and
blowing begin. It is as if the bugs know it's chow time. The
little devils know the Hats are just waiting for one little
wiggle or one little wave so that "bends and thrust begin" may
be shouted. And the target zones are those places that are the
most private and tender of unseen places. Up the shorts and in
the nose and ears. And there is nothing you can do but wait
until you get that most wonderful of next preparatory command of
"Right" and command of execution of "Face" when you finally get
to move them little buggers off for a second. And at last, the
"Double Time Aarch" command is given and away you go singing
happily about Suzy rotten @#$$%& and Eskimo *&^%$. So, Mr.
Henry, besides the mosquitoes the size of humming birds, rattle
snakes in the grass, alligators and sharks in the waters, 100%
humidly and the meanest DI's this side of the Mississippi, there
is absolutely nothing different or special about PI Marines.
Sgt. DR George
0311/8511/8531
Note: Oh Yea....it took three fittings to get a proper fit for
my sunglasses.
Sgt Grit
Before Combat Deployment
Eagle, Globe and Anchor piece done by one of the best detailed
tatoo artists in the country before combat deployment in Al
Anbar Province, Iraq 2008
Lance Corporal YUEN
A Co 4th Tank Battalion
My Marine Corner
sgt:
It took a while for me to get it together and put it out in the
open, but as I started out with a little I was surprised as to
how it kelp on growing not knowing when to stop until it takes up the room, and then the house.
Of course I have to share my room with my Uncle Bill: Korea
Marine Vet.
Semper Fi
Harold L Ramer
Statute Of Limitations For Killing
Hey, Sgt Grit,
Can you help me with something? I've been corresponding with a
recruit at Parris Island. He is set to graduate with Plt 3029
on 10 April. He's mailed me two letters in response to a few
I've mailed him. In one of them he has said that 'Sand Fleas
aren't much of a problem' and that 'he's only seen a few of
them'. Those tiny, little blood suckers were fairly thick when
I was there in early 1974.
I don't remember them eating on us all of the time, but they
were around thick most everyday. I remember that on two
occasions the Sand Fleas were so thick that our Drill
Instructors made us put on our ponchos and allowed us to
ATTACK!' (slap and kill 'em all!) after marching every 50 to 75
yards. I seem to remember one time we were marching through the
backside of Third Battalion (I was in PLT 202/2nd Battalion) one
evening, along part of the trail that led to the rifle range.
Can't seem to remember when or where we were the second time we
put on the ponchos, except it was after an early afternoon rain
shower.
Also, is there a statute of limitation for killing one of them?
One night, just before 'Lights Out!', I was sitting near my
footlocker, trimming my nails, when I noticed a Sand Flea about
to bore into my left forearm. I got my bunkie's attention, I
think it was Hufstetler. I took my nailclippers and carefully
cut the little bloodsucker's head off (no, the Sand Flea not
Hufstetler). The body staggered on off but the tiny head
kept sucking blood. Yep, I murdered one of those little
b*stards!
You don't think they're spraying pesticides or anything like
that for the 'New Corps' do you? That just wouldn't be right!
Current generations of Parris Island Sand Fleas have the right
to live and eat too, just like their ancestors that dined on us.
If any one remembers wearing ponchos to defend from Sand Fleas,
please share. Also, when were the Sand Fleas at their worst?
I've heard they come out in huge swarms in the Spring, or that
they're worse during hot summer weather, others have said it was
worse in cooler, wet weather. I'd say a former Drill Instructor
or other Marine or Navy Corpsman stationed at the Island would
know more about them since they would have been there for a
longer period of time than a recruit.
If you can't remember, h&ll, just make something up that sounds
good!
Semper Fidelis,
Tony Glass
USMC Vet
2nd Bn/Plt 202
Jan-Apr 1974
Liberty Tattoo
Here is a picture of a tattoo I got at Liberty Tattoo in Libertyville, IL by the artist Nick. He is very talented and has
done a number of others on myself and other Marine Corps buddies
of mine.
Semper Fi
LCpl Dreyer
I Didn't End Up In Portsmouth
Sgt. Grit:
In 1973 I was a brand-new "butterbar" platoon commander fresh
out of Quantico and Basic Tank School at Del Mar, and assigned
to 3D Plt., Bravo Co., 3D Tank Bn., 3D MarDiv, Camp Hansen,
Okinawa. "B" company was given the mission of doing an LST
amphibious float and tank landing at Numazu Beach in Japan and
then moving via HETs to the Mt. Fuji Training Area for maneuver
training and firing. According to the SOFA if the U.S. did not
use the training area periodically, which was jointly used by
both the U.S. and the JSDF, we would lose our access and the
entire area would revert to Japanese control, something that, in
the last days of Vietnam, the leftist government of Japan
devoutly wished for.
We had to deal with hundreds of loud-speaker-van-equipped
Communist demonstrators at Numazu, and when my platoon sergeant
and I had our platoon tank crews put their American flags on
their whip antennas prior to landing they got even more enraged.
We loaded onto the civilian-contracted HET tank transporters and
made the 90 mile turnpike trip to Fuji to start our training.
Fuji then was a ramshackle collection of leaky ex-WWII Quonset
huts, a tiny one-room P.X. and a shower house, all sitting
precariously on concrete slabs in the sloping volcanic sand of
Fuji-San. When it rained we opened the doors at either end of
the huts and let the rain flow through. We slept on the bottom
rack of our bunks and draped our ponchos over the top bunks in a
futile attempt to keep dry. We roped up and climbed atop the
huts and tried to plug the many leaks in the roof using GAA
grease spread into the holes with the wooden tent pegs from our
GP Mediums. We were only supposed to be there for 6 weeks, but
politics intervened. The government refused to issue the
necessary road permits for us to travel the highways back down
to Numazu to reload on the LST's for the trip back to Okinawa,
the issue evidently being that if they made our using the
Training Area difficult enough the U.S. would stop sending units
and the Area would revert to sole Japanese control.
The company had been augmented with a small mess section and a
maintenance section, and had brought supplies for 6 weeks. We
were there for more than 3 months. The first week all but one
of the cooks' field stoves broke down, and they were feeding us
oatmeal and coffee for breakfast, "C's" for lunch, and stew for
dinner, every day. We mostly subsisted on candy bars, plus
Ramen noodles and canned Vienna sausages from the tiny P.X.,
heated up on the kerosene heaters in the hooches.
Our biggest problem was no cash for the P.X. or local liberty
for our Marines. Battalion had made arrangements to fly a Pay
Officer up to us for a cash pay at the end of our first 30 days.
We were supposed to be back to Camp Hansen by the following
payday. That obviously didn't happen, and the aircraft
resources to send a Pay Officer up and back, especially since no
one knew when we would be returning, just weren't available. No
one had any money, either dollars or yen, and our peerless
company commander---recently assigned from two years of White
House Aide duty to the Fleet---was more interested in going to
Tokyo every weekend for liberty (The four lieutenants were
pulling "Acting C.O." and rotating Officer of the Day...) to
overly concern himself with the cashless plight of the troops.
As a "Mustang" and former sergeant I was more conversant with
how the Navy and Marine Corps really worked than most second
lieutenants. I got reluctant permission from the C.O. to try
and fix the pay problem, so long as he was not involved, and I
took the long 105 mile drive by jeep to Atsugi Naval Air
Station, where there was a small Navy Disbursing Office run by a
Master Chief.
The Chief, who was a good head, understood the problem and he
and I worked out a very unorthodox way to solve it. Every two
weeks on a Friday afternoon my jeep driver and I would make the
drive to Atsugi NAS, arriving just after 1700 when the
Disbursing Office closed. The Chief would give me about $100,000
in U.S. paper money and coins from his safe on a simple hand
receipt, and I would lock it in my briefcase, head back up the
road to Fuji, both my driver and I carrying totally
unauthorized, loaded, Colt M-1911A1 pistols in tanker shoulder
holsters. Friday night I slept with the .45 under my pillow and
the briefcase full of money and the pay roster locked into my
wooden footlocker, which was under the bunk and handcuffed to
the steel rail of my rack. Saturday morning was pay call.
Saturday night and Sunday night I, as the company's
self-appointed "Unauthorized Pay Officer", guarded the remaining
money and the pay roster.
Monday morning at "zero dark 30" my driver, the jeep, the
loaded .45's and I headed back to Atsugi so that the Chief and I
could reconcile the remaining money and the roster prior to his
0800 opening time and his Monday morning requirement to ship his
receipts from the previous week from his local safe to Yakuska
Naval Base Disbursing.
Bravo Company's Marines got paid, candy bars, "Fuji noodles" and
Vienna sausages were purchased, enlisted liberty was pulled, the
Chief and I didn't end up in Portsmouth, and the Company
Commander still got to go to Tokyo every weekend. Problem
solved.
Don Kaag
LTC, Armor, AUS(Ret.)
...and former Sgt. &
"Mustang" Capt.
of Marines
Note: A perfect and outstanding example of Improvise, Adapt,
Overcome!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
Missing His Girlfriend
I have enjoyed all the stories about boot camp and I was
wondering if anyone has a interesting "fire watch" stories? I'll
start, because I have a couple.
First I am walking fire watch one night I see these sheets and
blanket just a moving, and I think this guy missing his
girlfriend or something, until I get to his rack and realize
that this guys is doing "mountain climbers" in his sleep. But my
favorite was when I was walking fire watch one night and at the
far end of the squad bay is a guy "standing on line". I walk
down there and he is at perfect attention and dead asleep. I
look straight in his eyes, I wave my hand in front of his face
just like in the movies - nothing.
I leave him there and continue to walk my post for about 15 - 20
minutes. I even stop at the D. I. hatch and think about waking
them, but of course I soon think better of that. Then it hits
me! I march down to him and in a low commanding voice I say
"Prepare to mount!" He turns and goes to the side of his rack, I
say "mount!" BAM! he's in the rack, again at perfect attention,
I go "adjust!" He's fast asleep! D*mndest thing I ever saw. I am
sure there are some other great Fire watch stories out there,
lets hear them.
J. T. Marvel, CPL
PLT 3054 H Co. July - Oct 78
Wpns. Co. 2/3 Dragon Plt. 78-82
A Prudent Move
Reading the stories about the Bomb Dump going up at DaNang in
'69, I have to add mine.
We had the best [or worse] seat in the house. We were on top of
Hill 327 and had the whole thing laid out at our feet, so to
speak. It started cooking off around 0800 in the morning and by
noon had worked it's way to the middle of the dump moving from
East to West [where the BIG stuff was!].
Around that time, discretion became the better part and we
started moving everything we could to the NW side of the
mountain. A prudent move by our CO because, when it was over, we
had lost 37 of 42 buildings. The Cooks did yeoman duty that day;
we would have been stuck for 36 hours without chow if they
hadn't.
That mushroom cloud everyone was so impressed with was the 1000
pounders cooking off and, since it was closest to us, did the
most damage to our position. The Rockets that cooked off were
probably the most entertaining, however; they put on quite a
show taking off willy-nilly.
The most annoying had to be the artillery rounds that landed all
over our position. None cooked off, thank goodness, but they're
probably still scattered all over that mountain!
I believe it was around 1400 when the 'word' came for 100%
alert, fully manned fighting positions because of the 'expected'
VC attack. My observation that Charlie wasn't within 5 miles of
that mess was not well received.
No one was seriously injured up there; but it did spoil all
future firework displays for me!
Semper Fi!
Larry F. Mullins, SSGT [Ret]
PFC Poochie
Hi Sgt. Grit,
While reading your AmericanCourage Newsletter #195, for 05
Mar 2009, I saw the picture of PFC Bonehead submitted by Bart
Baldwin, of Brackettville, Tx. I thought it was so cute that I
sent it to my Daughter, because she is always dressing her dog
up in 'His Marine Blues' for different Marine occasions. I'm a
Life Member in the Marine Corps League, John Basilone Detachment
# 190, here in New Jersey and a couple years ago after marching
in the John Basilone Annual Parade, which is held in Raritan,
NJ, I stopped by her house on my way home and she took this
picture of me and Pablo, her dog. I know we were both a little
'Out of Uniform' , but please understand, I had just marched a
couple miles in the heat and was hot and tired and on my way
home. (no excuse, I know !) Now, PFC Poochie (Pablo) had no
excuse, he was at home all day guarding his Mother's perimeter,
in the air conditioning, while I was carrying a flag for our
Honor Guard in the parade. (ha ha) I just thought if you could
find space in one of your upcoming newsletters you might show
the picture of another 'Devil Dog', so that the World would
know, even our pets Honor and Respect Our Corps in the proper
manner.
Just want you to know that I have enjoyed reading your
newsletters for years now, even though 'that mist' gathers in my
eyes sometimes with some articles. I have some of your products
and love them. Keep up the good work you are doing in
'spreading the word' and giving us a place to communicate with
each other.
Thank you and Semper Fi,
John D. Centofanti
U.S.M.C.
March 1958 - March 1964
6th Mar. & 2nd ANGLICO
Short Rounds
After reading your last news letter one of the Marines used the
term "gungy", which I haven't heard being used since I got out
of the Corps. It reminded me of another term used. I don't
know if this was standard practice every were, but to be called
a "Boot" was fighting words in my unit at K-Bay, HI. Crash,
Fire and Rescue. It's funny how you would stand and fight with
fellow Marines but simple terms such as "boot", was such an
insult, it would bring out the worst in people.
Kelly Morgan, '81-'85
YL-37 FLIES AGAIN
http://marine73110.tripod.com/
With all the stories about the ammo dump in 1969 does anyone
remember the rocket attack on the DaNang Air Base in October or
November 1967. I was a corpsman at 1st Med and the rockets came
over us hitting the base and after several there was a huge
fireball in the sky, and then the explosion, and then I was
picking myself up off the ground. We handled casualties the
rest of the night. I remember hearing that ammo dump was hit
but I never learned the details.
Doc Decker
I was a "fresh-caught" at MCRD, San Diego in the month of
June, 1957 and have no recollection of yellow footprints, only
some really "concerned and helpful troop handlers" in funny
looking campaign hats.
T.L. Barton, Cpl, '57-60
Re: David Tyre asking about the various firing positions on the
range: Five positions, each firing 10 rounds for a total of 250
possible. 200 yards: 10 rounds off-hand (standing) slow fire; 10
rounds sitting rapid fire; 300 yards, 5 sitting, 5 kneeling,
slow fire; 10 rounds rapid fire prone; 500 yards, 10 rounds slow
fire. I was CO of 1st Mar Div Engr Support Company. We qualified
before deploying to Okinawa the Viet Nam. I set the range record
that day with a score of 247. My troops were mighty proud of the
boss
For Sgt Drugge: Qualifying Marksman on the rifle range was 190
out of 250; Sharpshooter was 210; expert 220.
Maj James Murphy (ret)
"Breath, Relax, Aim, Squeeze, Shoot."
Maddog
We are Marines, but we are Women Marines; USMC Just like the
men; "Once a Marine always a Marine", right? Proud to be Marine
also!
Semper Fi
Linda
To whom it may concern
I read all letters with great pride. But was very disappointed
in one, in the news letter I received today. I was a P.M.I. From
62 to 65 at Camp Matthews and made the move to Camp Edison at
Pendleton in late 64. The young Cpl. (I wouldn't mention his
name) said he would never forget B.A.S.S.. The three years I was
a P.M.I. It was B.R.A.S.S. Breath, Relax, Aim, Slack, and
Squeeze. At least it was in my day.
Thank You
Sgt. John K. Gilbertson
BAM is a DEROGATORY term. Those male Marines who use it, I
always respond, "I'd rather be a "BAM" than a Half A----
Marine....
Women have proved themselves worthy of the title Marine, and
that term should never be used.
Denne Howard A Marine who happen to be a woman.
Sgt 1953-1956
Yes there was a Disneyland & Twilight Zone, I was at P.I. May to
Aug Plt 125 Forgot my company? Barracks was in the middle of
them all.
PFC Michael Dumais
1st Marine Div
3rd Batt 5th Marines
Grunt
In response to the question about the woman Marine saluting the
casket of a fallen Marine, though she was uncovered and indoors.
She did exactly the right thing. Her Mission there was to let
the family know that their fallen loved one was honored,
respected and will be remembered. Her salute did that, and with
Marines, the Mission comes first, even if it means small
deviations from our traditions.
Semper Fi,
Robert A. Hall
Former SSgt, USMCR.
Thanks, Sgt. Grit. Most all of the letters that you've shown
are very comical, and certainly depict reminiscent events for
any of us that have been in the "Corps" in past years. Some
things just DO NOT CHANGE, thankfully. That is our CORPS!
PDL
Woman Marine Golf Shirt
Skull with KA-BAR Stone Coaster
Semper Fi
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done!
Sgt Grit
|
Be sure to add info@sgtgritnews.com to your address book or trusted senders list.
Sgt Grit Newsletter VS AmericanCourage Newsletter:
You receive both (alternating weeks)...so what's the difference?
In short...The AmericanCourage Newsletter has MORE family member
stories, "support the Corps" stories from Marines, and patriotic
quotes. It started after the events of Sept. 11, 2001 to give
supporters of the Marine Corps and American patriots a voice.
The Sgt Grit Newsletter is HARD CORPS Marine! If you are
interested in topics that delve into Marine Corps history, Corps
Stories, Boot Camp and other things that "only a Marine might
understand" - then be sure to read the Sgt Grit Newsletter
(every other week) - More about the newsletter |
